意见 (yìjiàn) grammar notes opinion 请告诉我你的意见。 (Qǐng gàosu wǒ nǐ de yìjiàn.) Please tell me your opinion.
请 (qǐng, please) + 告诉 (gàosu, tell) + 我 (wǒ, me) + 你的意见 (nǐ de yìjiàn, your opinion). SVO order with 的 (de) for possession. 同意 (tóngyì) grammar notes to agree 我同意你的看法。 (Wǒ tóngyì nǐ de kànfǎ.) I agree with your point of view.
我同意你的看法 (wǒ tóngyì nǐ de kànfǎ): SVO with 同意 (tóngyì, agree) + 你的看法 (nǐ de kànfǎ, your viewpoint). 的 (de) links possessor to noun. 反对 (fǎnduì) grammar notes to oppose / to disagree 他反对这个计划。 (Tā fǎnduì zhège jìhuà.) 他反对这个计划 (tā fǎnduì zhège jìhuà): SVO order. 这个 (zhège, this) + 计划 (jìhuà, plan). 反对 (fǎnduì) takes a direct object. 建议 (jiànyì) grammar notes suggestion / to suggest 我建议你多练习。 (Wǒ jiànyì nǐ duō liànxí.) I suggest you practice more.
我建议你多练习 (wǒ jiànyì nǐ duō liànxí): 建议 (jiànyì, suggest) + person + action. 多 (duō, more) before verb 练习 (liànxí, practice). 讨论 (tǎolùn) grammar notes to discuss / discussion 我们讨论一下这个问题吧。 (Wǒmen tǎolùn yíxià zhège wèntí ba.) Let's discuss this issue.
我们讨论一下 (wǒmen tǎolùn yíxià): 一下 (yíxià) softens the verb. 吧 (ba) is a suggestion particle. 这个问题 (zhège wèntí, this problem). 解释 (jiěshì) grammar notes to explain / explanation 请你解释一下这个词的意思。 (Qǐng nǐ jiěshì yíxià zhège cí de yìsi.) Please explain the meaning of this word.
请你解释一下 (qǐng nǐ jiěshì yíxià): 请 (qǐng) + person + V + 一下 (yíxià). 这个词的意思 (zhège cí de yìsi, this word's meaning) uses 的 (de) for possession. 表达 (biǎodá) grammar notes to express 他不太会表达自己的感情。 (Tā bú tài huì biǎodá zìjǐ de gǎnqíng.) He is not very good at expressing his feelings.
他不太会表达自己的感情 (tā bú tài huì biǎodá zìjǐ de gǎnqíng): 不太 (bú tài, not very) + 会 (huì, able to) + V. 自己的 (zìjǐ de, one's own) + 感情 (gǎnqíng, feelings). 交流 (jiāoliú) grammar notes to communicate / exchange 我们需要多交流。 (Wǒmen xūyào duō jiāoliú.) We need to communicate more.
我们需要多交流 (wǒmen xūyào duō jiāoliú): 需要 (xūyào, need) + 多 (duō, more) + V. Verb serialization: need + do more. 聊天 (liáotiān) grammar notes to chat 我喜欢和朋友聊天。 (Wǒ xǐhuan hé péngyou liáotiān.) I like chatting with friends.
我喜欢和朋友聊天 (wǒ xǐhuan hé péngyou liáotiān): 和 (hé, with) + 朋友 (péngyou, friends) + V. 喜欢 (xǐhuan, like) + V pattern. 介绍 (jièshào) grammar notes to introduce / introduction 让我介绍一下，这是我的同事。 (Ràng wǒ jièshào yíxià, zhè shì wǒ de tóngshì.) Let me introduce, this is my colleague.
让我介绍一下 (ràng wǒ jièshào yíxià): 让 (ràng, let) + person + V. 这是我的同事 (zhè shì wǒ de tóngshì, this is my colleague). 的 (de) for possession. 邀请 (yāoqǐng) grammar notes to invite / invitation 我想邀请你参加我的生日聚会。 (Wǒ xiǎng yāoqǐng nǐ cānjiā wǒ de shēngrì jùhuì.) I want to invite you to my birthday party.
我想邀请你参加 (wǒ xiǎng yāoqǐng nǐ cānjiā): 想 (xiǎng, want) + V + person + V. 我的生日聚会 (wǒ de shēngrì jùhuì, my birthday party). 约 (yuē) grammar notes to make an appointment / to arrange 我们约个时间见面吧。 (Wǒmen yuē ge shíjiān jiànmiàn ba.) Let's arrange a time to meet.
我们约个时间 (wǒmen yuē ge shíjiān): 约 (yuē, arrange) + 个 (ge, MW) + 时间 (shíjiān, time). 见面 (jiànmiàn, meet) + 吧 (ba, suggestion). 拒绝 (jùjué) grammar notes to refuse / to reject 他拒绝了我的邀请。 (Tā jùjué le wǒ de yāoqǐng.) He refused my invitation.
他拒绝了我的邀请 (tā jùjué le wǒ de yāoqǐng): V + 了 (le, completed action) + object. 我的邀请 (wǒ de yāoqǐng, my invitation) uses 的 (de). 接受 (jiēshòu) grammar notes to accept 她接受了这份工作。 (Tā jiēshòu le zhè fèn gōngzuò.) 她接受了这份工作 (tā jiēshòu le zhè fèn gōngzuò): V + 了 (le) for completed action. 这份 (zhè fèn) uses 份 (fèn, MW for jobs/documents). 道歉 (dàoqiàn) grammar notes to apologize 他向我道歉了。 (Tā xiàng wǒ dàoqiàn le.) 他向我道歉了 (tā xiàng wǒ dàoqiàn le): 向 (xiàng, toward) + person + V + 了 (le). 向 (xiàng) indicates the recipient of the action. 原谅 (yuánliàng) grammar notes to forgive 请你原谅我。 (Qǐng nǐ yuánliàng wǒ.) 请你原谅我 (qǐng nǐ yuánliàng wǒ): 请 (qǐng, please) + person + V + object. Direct and polite request pattern. 感谢 (gǎnxiè) grammar notes to thank / grateful 非常感谢你的帮助。 (Fēicháng gǎnxiè nǐ de bāngzhù.) Thank you very much for your help.
非常感谢你的帮助 (fēicháng gǎnxiè nǐ de bāngzhù): 非常 (fēicháng, very) intensifies 感谢 (gǎnxiè, thank). 你的帮助 (nǐ de bāngzhù, your help) uses 的 (de). 祝贺 (zhùhè) grammar notes to congratulate 祝贺你找到了新工作！ (Zhùhè nǐ zhǎodào le xīn gōngzuò!) Congratulations on finding a new job!
祝贺你找到了新工作 (zhùhè nǐ zhǎodào le xīn gōngzuò): 祝贺 (zhùhè) + person + clause. 找到了 (zhǎodào le) = found (result complement 到 dào + 了 le). 鼓励 (gǔlì) grammar notes to encourage 老师经常鼓励我们。 (Lǎoshī jīngcháng gǔlì wǒmen.) The teacher often encourages us.
老师经常鼓励我们 (lǎoshī jīngcháng gǔlì wǒmen): 经常 (jīngcháng, often) is an adverb before the verb. SVO: 老师 (lǎoshī, teacher) + V + 我们 (wǒmen, us). 批评 (pīpíng) grammar notes to criticize / criticism 他不喜欢被别人批评。 (Tā bù xǐhuan bèi biérén pīpíng.) He doesn't like being criticized by others.
他不喜欢被别人批评 (tā bù xǐhuan bèi biérén pīpíng): 被 (bèi) marks passive voice. 被别人批评 (bèi biérén pīpíng) = be criticized by others. 别人 (biérén, others). 赞成 (zànchéng) grammar notes to approve / to endorse 大家都赞成这个方案。 (Dàjiā dōu zànchéng zhège fāng'àn.) Everyone approves of this plan.
大家都赞成这个方案 (dàjiā dōu zànchéng zhège fāng'àn): 大家 (dàjiā, everyone) + 都 (dōu, all) + V. 都 (dōu) before verb means 'all'. 商量 (shāngliang) grammar notes to discuss / to consult 这件事我们再商量商量。 (Zhè jiàn shì wǒmen zài shāngliang shāngliang.) Let's discuss this matter further.
我们再商量商量 (wǒmen zài shāngliang shāngliang): Verb reduplication 商量商量 (shāngliang shāngliang) softens the action (discuss a bit). 再 (zài, again/further). 答应 (dāying) grammar notes to promise / to agree to 她答应明天来帮忙。 (Tā dāying míngtiān lái bāngmáng.) She promised to come help tomorrow.
她答应明天来帮忙 (tā dāying míngtiān lái bāngmáng): 答应 (dāying, promise) + clause. 明天 (míngtiān, tomorrow) before verb 来 (lái, come). 帮忙 (bāngmáng, help). 决定 (juédìng) grammar notes to decide / decision 你决定去哪里旅行了吗？ (Nǐ juédìng qù nǎlǐ lǚxíng le ma?) Have you decided where to travel?
你决定去哪里旅行了吗 (nǐ juédìng qù nǎlǐ lǚxíng le ma): 决定 (juédìng, decide) + clause. 哪里 (nǎlǐ, where) is the question word. 了吗 (le ma) asks about completed action. 计划 (jìhuà) grammar notes plan / to plan 我们的周末计划是什么？ (Wǒmen de zhōumò jìhuà shì shénme?) What is our weekend plan?
我们的周末计划是什么 (wǒmen de zhōumò jìhuà shì shénme): 的 (de) connects 我们 (wǒmen) to 计划 (jìhuà, plan). 是什么 (shì shénme, is what) asks identity. 安排 (ānpái) grammar notes to arrange / arrangement 我来安排明天的活动。 (Wǒ lái ānpái míngtiān de huódòng.) I will arrange tomorrow's activities.
我来安排明天的活动 (wǒ lái ānpái míngtiān de huódòng): 我来 (wǒ lái, I'll do it) volunteers. 明天的活动 (míngtiān de huódòng, tomorrow's activities) uses 的 (de). 准备 (zhǔnbèi) grammar notes to prepare / preparation 你准备好了吗？ (Nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎo le ma?) 你准备好了吗 (nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎo le ma): 准备好 (zhǔnbèi hǎo) = prepared well (result complement 好 hǎo). 了吗 (le ma) asks if the action is complete. 通知 (tōngzhī) grammar notes to notify / notice 请通知大家开会时间。 (Qǐng tōngzhī dàjiā kāihuì shíjiān.) Please notify everyone of the meeting time.
请通知大家开会时间 (qǐng tōngzhī dàjiā kāihuì shíjiān): 请 (qǐng) + V + person + thing. 大家 (dàjiā, everyone) + 开会时间 (kāihuì shíjiān, meeting time). 联系 (liánxì) grammar notes to contact / connection 有事请联系我。 (Yǒu shì qǐng liánxì wǒ.) If anything comes up, please contact me.
有事请联系我 (yǒu shì qǐng liánxì wǒ): 有事 (yǒu shì, if anything comes up) is a conditional. 请 (qǐng) + V + 我 (wǒ). Polite request. 打扰 (dǎrǎo) grammar notes to disturb / to bother 对不起，打扰你一下。 (Duìbuqǐ, dǎrǎo nǐ yíxià.) Sorry to bother you for a moment.
对不起，打扰你一下 (duìbuqǐ, dǎrǎo nǐ yíxià): 对不起 (duìbuqǐ, sorry) + V + person + 一下 (yíxià, for a moment). 一下 (yíxià) softens the intrusion. 关心 (guānxīn) grammar notes to care about / concerned 谢谢你这么关心我。 (Xièxie nǐ zhème guānxīn wǒ.) Thank you for caring about me so much.
谢谢你这么关心我 (xièxie nǐ zhème guānxīn wǒ): 这么 (zhème, so much) intensifies 关心 (guānxīn, care about). 谢谢你 (xièxie nǐ, thank you) opens the sentence. 感动 (gǎndòng) grammar notes to be moved / touching 这个故事让我很感动。 (Zhège gùshi ràng wǒ hěn gǎndòng.) This story really moved me.
这个故事让我很感动 (zhège gùshi ràng wǒ hěn gǎndòng): 让 (ràng) + person + adj = makes someone feel. 让我很感动 (ràng wǒ hěn gǎndòng, makes me moved). 满意 (mǎnyì) grammar notes satisfied 你对这个结果满意吗？ (Nǐ duì zhège jiéguǒ mǎnyì ma?) Are you satisfied with this result?
你对这个结果满意吗 (nǐ duì zhège jiéguǒ mǎnyì ma): 对 (duì, toward) + object + adj pattern. 对...满意 (duì...mǎnyì, satisfied with). 吗 (ma) for yes/no question. 失望 (shīwàng) grammar notes disappointed 考试成绩让我很失望。 (Kǎoshì chéngjì ràng wǒ hěn shīwàng.) The exam results disappointed me.
考试成绩让我很失望 (kǎoshì chéngjì ràng wǒ hěn shīwàng): 让 (ràng) + person + adj = makes someone feel. 考试成绩 (kǎoshì chéngjì, exam results) is the subject. 后悔 (hòuhuǐ) grammar notes to regret 我后悔没有早点学中文。 (Wǒ hòuhuǐ méiyǒu zǎo diǎn xué Zhōngwén.) I regret not learning Chinese earlier.
我后悔没有早点学中文 (wǒ hòuhuǐ méiyǒu zǎo diǎn xué Zhōngwén): 后悔 (hòuhuǐ, regret) + 没有 (méiyǒu, not having) + V. 早点 (zǎo diǎn, a bit earlier). 羡慕 (xiànmù) grammar notes to envy / to admire 我很羡慕他能说三种语言。 (Wǒ hěn xiànmù tā néng shuō sān zhǒng yǔyán.) I envy that he can speak three languages.
我很羡慕他能说三种语言 (wǒ hěn xiànmù tā néng shuō sān zhǒng yǔyán): 羡慕 (xiànmù, envy) + clause. 三种 (sān zhǒng) uses 种 (zhǒng, MW for types). 语言 (yǔyán, language). 骄傲 (jiāo'ào) grammar notes proud 妈妈为我感到骄傲。 (Māma wèi wǒ gǎndào jiāo'ào.) 妈妈为我感到骄傲 (māma wèi wǒ gǎndào jiāo'ào): 为 (wèi, for) + person + 感到 (gǎndào, feel) + adj. 为...感到骄傲 (wèi...gǎndào jiāo'ào, feel proud of). 自信 (zìxìn) grammar notes confident / self-confident 她是一个很自信的人。 (Tā shì yí ge hěn zìxìn de rén.) She is a very confident person.
她是一个很自信的人 (tā shì yí ge hěn zìxìn de rén): 是 (shì) + 一个 (yí ge) + adj + 的 (de) + 人 (rén). Adjective + 的 (de) modifies the noun. 孤独 (gūdú) grammar notes lonely 一个人住有时候会觉得孤独。 (Yí ge rén zhù yǒushíhou huì juéde gūdú.) Living alone sometimes feels lonely.
一个人住有时候会觉得孤独 (yí ge rén zhù yǒushíhou huì juéde gūdú): 有时候 (yǒushíhou, sometimes) + 会 (huì, will) + 觉得 (juéde, feel). 一个人住 (yí ge rén zhù, live alone). 兴奋 (xīngfèn) grammar notes excited 明天要去旅行，我很兴奋。 (Míngtiān yào qù lǚxíng, wǒ hěn xīngfèn.) I'm going on a trip tomorrow, I'm very excited.
明天要去旅行 (míngtiān yào qù lǚxíng): 要 (yào, going to) + V. 我很兴奋 (wǒ hěn xīngfèn, I'm excited). Two clauses: reason + feeling. 烦 (fán) grammar notes annoyed / fed up 这件事让我很烦。 (Zhè jiàn shì ràng wǒ hěn fán.) This matter really annoys me.
这件事让我很烦 (zhè jiàn shì ràng wǒ hěn fán): 让 (ràng) + person + adj. 这件事 (zhè jiàn shì, this matter) uses 件 (jiàn, MW for matters). 着急 (zháojí) grammar notes anxious / worried 别着急，慢慢来。 (Bié zháojí, mànmàn lái.) Don't worry, take your time.
别着急，慢慢来 (bié zháojí, mànmàn lái): 别 (bié, don't) + adj/verb. 慢慢 (mànmàn, slowly) is a reduplicated adverb. 来 (lái) here means 'take your time'. 放心 (fàngxīn) grammar notes to be at ease / don't worry 你放心，我会照顾好自己的。 (Nǐ fàngxīn, wǒ huì zhàogu hǎo zìjǐ de.) Don't worry, I will take good care of myself.
你放心 (nǐ fàngxīn): 放心 (fàngxīn, be at ease) is a verb-object compound. 我会照顾好自己的 (wǒ huì zhàogu hǎo zìjǐ de): 照顾好 (zhàogu hǎo, take good care) uses result complement 好 (hǎo). 吃惊 (chījīng) grammar notes surprised / shocked 听到这个消息，我很吃惊。 (Tīngdào zhège xiāoxi, wǒ hěn chījīng.) I was surprised to hear this news.
听到这个消息 (tīngdào zhège xiāoxi): 听到 (tīngdào, heard) uses result complement 到 (dào). 我很吃惊 (wǒ hěn chījīng, I was surprised). 很 (hěn) before adj. 伤心 (shāngxīn) grammar notes heartbroken / sad 她因为宠物去世了很伤心。 (Tā yīnwèi chǒngwù qùshì le hěn shāngxīn.) She is very sad because her pet passed away.
她因为宠物去世了很伤心 (tā yīnwèi chǒngwù qùshì le hěn shāngxīn): 因为 (yīnwèi, because) gives the reason. 去世了 (qùshì le, passed away) uses 了 (le) for completed action. 激动 (jīdòng) grammar notes excited / agitated 他激动得说不出话来。 (Tā jīdòng de shuō bu chū huà lái.) He was so excited he couldn't speak.
他激动得说不出话来 (tā jīdòng de shuō bu chū huà lái): 得 (de) introduces a degree complement. 说不出话来 (shuō bu chū huà lái) = can't speak (potential complement with 不 bù). 温柔 (wēnróu) grammar notes gentle / tender 她说话的声音很温柔。 (Tā shuōhuà de shēngyīn hěn wēnróu.) She speaks in a very gentle voice.
她说话的声音很温柔 (tā shuōhuà de shēngyīn hěn wēnróu): 说话的声音 (shuōhuà de shēngyīn, speaking voice) uses 的 (de) to modify 声音 (shēngyīn, voice). 热情 (rèqíng) grammar notes enthusiastic / warm 他对每个人都很热情。 (Tā duì měi ge rén dōu hěn rèqíng.) He is enthusiastic toward everyone.
他对每个人都很热情 (tā duì měi ge rén dōu hěn rèqíng): 对 (duì, toward) + 每个人 (měi ge rén, everyone) + 都 (dōu, all). 都 (dōu) before adjective. 耐心 (nàixīn) grammar notes patient / patience 当老师需要有耐心。 (Dāng lǎoshī xūyào yǒu nàixīn.) Being a teacher requires patience.
当老师需要有耐心 (dāng lǎoshī xūyào yǒu nàixīn): 当 (dāng, to be/serve as) + noun + 需要 (xūyào, need) + 有 (yǒu, have) + noun. 耐心 (nàixīn) here is a noun. 诚实 (chéngshí) grammar notes honest 他是一个诚实的人。 (Tā shì yí ge chéngshí de rén.) 他是一个诚实的人 (tā shì yí ge chéngshí de rén): 是 (shì) + 一个 (yí ge) + adj + 的 (de) + 人 (rén, person). Standard description pattern. 勇敢 (yǒnggǎn) grammar notes brave / courageous 你真勇敢！ (Nǐ zhēn yǒnggǎn!) 你真勇敢 (nǐ zhēn yǒnggǎn): 真 (zhēn, really) intensifies the adjective. Exclamatory sentence without 是 (shì). 聪明 (cōngming) grammar notes smart / clever 这个孩子很聪明。 (Zhège háizi hěn cōngming.) This child is very smart.
这个孩子很聪明 (zhège háizi hěn cōngming): 这个 (zhège, this) + 孩子 (háizi, child) + 很 (hěn) + adj. Basic adjective predicate. 幽默 (yōumò) grammar notes humorous 他是一个很幽默的人。 (Tā shì yí ge hěn yōumò de rén.) He is a very humorous person.
他是一个很幽默的人 (tā shì yí ge hěn yōumò de rén): 是 (shì) + 一个 (yí ge) + 很 (hěn) + adj + 的 (de) + 人 (rén). Descriptive identification. 大方 (dàfang) grammar notes generous / natural 她为人很大方。 (Tā wéirén hěn dàfang.) She is a very generous person.
她为人很大方 (tā wéirén hěn dàfang): 为人 (wéirén, as a person/in character) is a set phrase. 很大方 (hěn dàfang, very generous). 害羞 (hàixiū) grammar notes shy 她在陌生人面前很害羞。 (Tā zài mòshēngrén miànqián hěn hàixiū.) She is shy in front of strangers.
她在陌生人面前很害羞 (tā zài mòshēngrén miànqián hěn hàixiū): 在 (zài) + place/situation + 面前 (miànqián, in front of). 陌生人 (mòshēngrén, strangers). 懒 (lǎn) grammar notes lazy 周末我变得很懒。 (Zhōumò wǒ biàn de hěn lǎn.) I become very lazy on weekends.
周末我变得很懒 (zhōumò wǒ biàn de hěn lǎn): 变得 (biàn de, become) + 很 (hěn) + adj. 得 (de) links the change to its degree. 周末 (zhōumò, weekend). 严格 (yángé) grammar notes strict 这位老师对学生很严格。 (Zhè wèi lǎoshī duì xuéshēng hěn yángé.) This teacher is very strict with students.
这位老师对学生很严格 (zhè wèi lǎoshī duì xuéshēng hěn yángé): 位 (wèi, polite MW) for teacher. 对 (duì, toward) + 学生 (xuéshēng, students) + 很严格 (hěn yángé, very strict). 善良 (shànliáng) grammar notes kind-hearted 她是一个善良的女孩。 (Tā shì yí ge shànliáng de nǚhái.) She is a kind-hearted girl.
她是一个善良的女孩 (tā shì yí ge shànliáng de nǚhái): adj + 的 (de) + noun pattern. 善良的 (shànliáng de, kind-hearted) modifies 女孩 (nǚhái, girl). 活泼 (huópō) grammar notes lively / vivacious 这个小女孩很活泼。 (Zhège xiǎo nǚhái hěn huópō.) This little girl is very lively.
这个小女孩很活泼 (zhège xiǎo nǚhái hěn huópō): 小 (xiǎo, little) + noun needs no 的 (de) for single-syllable adj. 很活泼 (hěn huópō, very lively). 认真 (rènzhēn) grammar notes serious / conscientious 他学习很认真。 (Tā xuéxí hěn rènzhēn.) He studies very conscientiously.
他学习很认真 (tā xuéxí hěn rènzhēn): Topic-comment structure. 学习 (xuéxí, studying) is the topic, 很认真 (hěn rènzhēn, very serious) is the comment. 固执 (gùzhí) grammar notes stubborn 他有时候太固执了。 (Tā yǒushíhou tài gùzhí le.) He is sometimes too stubborn.
他有时候太固执了 (tā yǒushíhou tài gùzhí le): 有时候 (yǒushíhou, sometimes) before predicate. 太...了 (tài...le) = too (excessive). 随便 (suíbiàn) grammar notes casual / whatever 吃什么都行，我随便。 (Chī shénme dōu xíng, wǒ suíbiàn.) Anything is fine to eat, I'm easy.
吃什么都行，我随便 (chī shénme dōu xíng, wǒ suíbiàn): 什么都 (shénme dōu, anything) + 行 (xíng, fine). 随便 (suíbiàn, whatever/I'm easy). 看法 (kànfǎ) grammar notes viewpoint / opinion 每个人都有不同的看法。 (Měi ge rén dōu yǒu bùtóng de kànfǎ.) Everyone has a different viewpoint.
每个人都有不同的看法 (měi ge rén dōu yǒu bùtóng de kànfǎ): 每个人 (měi ge rén, everyone) + 都 (dōu, all). 不同的 (bùtóng de, different) + 看法 (kànfǎ, viewpoint). 争论 (zhēnglùn) grammar notes to argue / argument 他们为了这件事争论了很久。 (Tāmen wèile zhè jiàn shì zhēnglùn le hěn jiǔ.) They argued about this matter for a long time.
他们为了这件事争论了很久 (tāmen wèile zhè jiàn shì zhēnglùn le hěn jiǔ): 为了 (wèile, for/about) + topic. V + 了 (le) + duration 很久 (hěn jiǔ, a long time). 误会 (wùhuì) grammar notes misunderstanding / to misunderstand 这是一个误会。 (Zhè shì yí ge wùhuì.) This is a misunderstanding.
这是一个误会 (zhè shì yí ge wùhuì): 是 (shì) + 一个 (yí ge) + noun. Simple identification sentence. 误会 (wùhuì) can be noun or verb. 理解 (lǐjiě) grammar notes to understand / understanding 我理解你的感受。 (Wǒ lǐjiě nǐ de gǎnshòu.) I understand your feelings.
我理解你的感受 (wǒ lǐjiě nǐ de gǎnshòu): SVO with 的 (de) for possession. 你的感受 (nǐ de gǎnshòu, your feelings). 支持 (zhīchí) grammar notes to support 谢谢你一直支持我。 (Xièxie nǐ yìzhí zhīchí wǒ.) Thank you for always supporting me.
谢谢你一直支持我 (xièxie nǐ yìzhí zhīchí wǒ): 一直 (yìzhí, always/all along) before verb. 支持我 (zhīchí wǒ, support me). Time adverb before verb. 信任 (xìnrèn) grammar notes to trust / trust 朋友之间需要信任。 (Péngyou zhījiān xūyào xìnrèn.) Friends need trust between them.
朋友之间需要信任 (péngyou zhījiān xūyào xìnrèn): 之间 (zhījiān, between) after noun. 需要 (xūyào, need) + noun. 信任 (xìnrèn) here is a noun. 尊重 (zūnzhòng) grammar notes to respect / respect 我们应该尊重老人。 (Wǒmen yīnggāi zūnzhòng lǎorén.) We should respect the elderly.
我们应该尊重老人 (wǒmen yīnggāi zūnzhòng lǎorén): 应该 (yīnggāi, should) + V + object. 老人 (lǎorén, elderly people). 吵架 (chǎojià) grammar notes to quarrel / to argue 他们经常吵架。 (Tāmen jīngcháng chǎojià.) 他们经常吵架 (tāmen jīngcháng chǎojià): 经常 (jīngcháng, often) before verb. 吵架 (chǎojià, quarrel) is a verb-object compound. 和好 (héhǎo) grammar notes to make up / to reconcile 他们吵架后又和好了。 (Tāmen chǎojià hòu yòu héhǎo le.) They made up after the quarrel.
他们吵架后又和好了 (tāmen chǎojià hòu yòu héhǎo le): 后 (hòu, after) follows the first action. 又 (yòu, again) for past repetition. 了 (le) for completed. 相处 (xiāngchǔ) grammar notes to get along 我们相处得很好。 (Wǒmen xiāngchǔ de hěn hǎo.) 我们相处得很好 (wǒmen xiāngchǔ de hěn hǎo): V + 得 (de) + complement. 得很好 (de hěn hǎo) = very well. Degree complement pattern. 秘密 (mìmì) grammar notes secret 这是我们之间的秘密。 (Zhè shì wǒmen zhījiān de mìmì.) This is a secret between us.
这是我们之间的秘密 (zhè shì wǒmen zhījiān de mìmì): 之间的 (zhījiān de, between us) modifies 秘密 (mìmì, secret). 的 (de) links modifier to noun. 消息 (xiāoxi) grammar notes news / message 你听到这个消息了吗？ (Nǐ tīngdào zhège xiāoxi le ma?) Have you heard this news?
你听到这个消息了吗 (nǐ tīngdào zhège xiāoxi le ma): 听到 (tīngdào, heard) uses result complement 到 (dào, achieved). 了吗 (le ma) asks about completed action. 麻烦 (máfan) grammar notes trouble / troublesome 麻烦你帮我一下。 (Máfan nǐ bāng wǒ yíxià.) Sorry to trouble you, could you help me.
麻烦你帮我一下 (máfan nǐ bāng wǒ yíxià): 麻烦你 (máfan nǐ, trouble you) is a polite opener. 帮我一下 (bāng wǒ yíxià, help me briefly). 一下 (yíxià) softens. 适合 (shìhé) grammar notes suitable / to suit 这份工作不太适合我。 (Zhè fèn gōngzuò bú tài shìhé wǒ.) This job doesn't really suit me.
这份工作不太适合我 (zhè fèn gōngzuò bú tài shìhé wǒ): 不太 (bú tài, not very) softens negation. 份 (fèn, MW for jobs). 适合我 (shìhé wǒ, suits me). 习惯 (xíguàn) grammar notes habit / to be used to 我已经习惯了这里的生活。 (Wǒ yǐjīng xíguàn le zhèlǐ de shēnghuó.) I'm already used to life here.
我已经习惯了这里的生活 (wǒ yǐjīng xíguàn le zhèlǐ de shēnghuó): 已经 (yǐjīng, already) + V + 了 (le, completed). 这里的生活 (zhèlǐ de shēnghuó, life here). 礼貌 (lǐmào) grammar notes polite / manners 这个孩子很有礼貌。 (Zhège háizi hěn yǒu lǐmào.) This child is very polite.
这个孩子很有礼貌 (zhège háizi hěn yǒu lǐmào): 有礼貌 (yǒu lǐmào, have manners) uses 有 (yǒu) + noun to form an adjective-like phrase. 客气 (kèqi) grammar notes polite / courteous 你太客气了。 (Nǐ tài kèqi le.) 你太客气了 (nǐ tài kèqi le): 太...了 (tài...le) pattern (too polite). Common response when someone is overly courteous. 正式 (zhèngshì) grammar notes formal / official 这是一个正式的场合。 (Zhè shì yí ge zhèngshì de chǎnghé.) This is a formal occasion.
这是一个正式的场合 (zhè shì yí ge zhèngshì de chǎnghé): 正式的 (zhèngshì de, formal) + 场合 (chǎnghé, occasion). Adj + 的 (de) + noun. 其实 (qíshí) grammar notes actually / in fact 其实我不太喜欢吃辣的。 (Qíshí wǒ bú tài xǐhuan chī là de.) Actually, I don't really like spicy food.
其实我不太喜欢吃辣的 (qíshí wǒ bú tài xǐhuan chī là de): 其实 (qíshí, actually) at sentence start signals correction. 辣的 (là de, spicy things) uses 的 (de) as nominalizer. 果然 (guǒrán) grammar notes as expected / sure enough 他果然没来。 (Tā guǒrán méi lái.) As expected, he didn't come.
他果然没来 (tā guǒrán méi lái): 果然 (guǒrán, as expected) before verb confirms a prediction. 没来 (méi lái, didn't come) negates past action. 竟然 (jìngrán) grammar notes unexpectedly / to one's surprise 他竟然通过了考试！ (Tā jìngrán tōngguò le kǎoshì!) He unexpectedly passed the exam!
他竟然通过了考试 (tā jìngrán tōngguò le kǎoshì): 竟然 (jìngrán, unexpectedly) expresses surprise. 通过了 (tōngguò le, passed) with 了 (le) for completion. 居然 (jūrán) grammar notes unexpectedly / actually 你居然会说中文！ (Nǐ jūrán huì shuō Zhōngwén!) You can actually speak Chinese!
你居然会说中文 (nǐ jūrán huì shuō Zhōngwén): 居然 (jūrán, surprisingly) before the verb. 会说 (huì shuō, can speak) uses 会 (huì) for learned skill. 确实 (quèshí) grammar notes indeed / truly 这道菜确实很好吃。 (Zhè dào cài quèshí hěn hǎochī.) This dish is indeed delicious.
这道菜确实很好吃 (zhè dào cài quèshí hěn hǎochī): 确实 (quèshí, indeed) before predicate. 道 (dào, MW for dishes). 好吃 (hǎochī, delicious). 只好 (zhǐhǎo) grammar notes have no choice but to 下雨了，我只好待在家里。 (Xiàyǔ le, wǒ zhǐhǎo dāi zài jiā lǐ.) It rained, so I had no choice but to stay home.
下雨了，我只好待在家里 (xiàyǔ le, wǒ zhǐhǎo dāi zài jiā lǐ): 只好 (zhǐhǎo, have no choice but) before verb. 待在家里 (dāi zài jiā lǐ, stay at home). 总是 (zǒngshì) grammar notes always 他总是迟到。 (Tā zǒngshì chídào.) 他总是迟到 (tā zǒngshì chídào): 总是 (zǒngshì, always) before verb. Adverb of frequency placed before the verb 迟到 (chídào, be late). 从不 (cóngbù) grammar notes never 她从不说谎。 (Tā cóngbù shuōhuǎng.) 她从不说谎 (tā cóngbù shuōhuǎng): 从不 (cóngbù, never) = 从 (cóng) + 不 (bù). Always used with negation. 说谎 (shuōhuǎng, to lie). 尤其 (yóuqí) grammar notes especially / particularly 我喜欢水果，尤其是草莓。 (Wǒ xǐhuan shuǐguǒ, yóuqí shì cǎoméi.) I like fruit, especially strawberries.
我喜欢水果，尤其是草莓 (wǒ xǐhuan shuǐguǒ, yóuqí shì cǎoméi): 尤其是 (yóuqí shì, especially) introduces a specific example. 草莓 (cǎoméi, strawberry). 互相 (hùxiāng) grammar notes mutually / each other 同学之间应该互相帮助。 (Tóngxué zhījiān yīnggāi hùxiāng bāngzhù.) Classmates should help each other.
同学之间应该互相帮助 (tóngxué zhījiān yīnggāi hùxiāng bāngzhù): 互相 (hùxiāng, mutually) before verb. 之间 (zhījiān, between). 同学 (tóngxué, classmate). 感觉 (gǎnjué) grammar notes feeling / to feel 你今天感觉怎么样？ (Nǐ jīntiān gǎnjué zěnmeyàng?) 你今天感觉怎么样 (nǐ jīntiān gǎnjué zěnmeyàng): 感觉 (gǎnjué, feel) + 怎么样 (zěnmeyàng, how). 今天 (jīntiān, today) time word before verb. 觉得 (juéde) grammar notes to think / to feel 你觉得这部电影怎么样？ (Nǐ juéde zhè bù diànyǐng zěnmeyàng?) What do you think of this movie?
你觉得这部电影怎么样 (nǐ juéde zhè bù diànyǐng zěnmeyàng): 觉得 (juéde, think/feel) + clause. 部 (bù, MW for films). 怎么样 (zěnmeyàng, how about). 希望 (xīwàng) grammar notes to hope / hope 我希望明天是晴天。 (Wǒ xīwàng míngtiān shì qíngtiān.) I hope tomorrow is sunny.
我希望明天是晴天 (wǒ xīwàng míngtiān shì qíngtiān): 希望 (xīwàng, hope) + clause. 晴天 (qíngtiān, sunny day). Subject + 希望 (xīwàng) + S + V. 愿意 (yuànyì) grammar notes willing / to be willing 你愿意帮我吗？ (Nǐ yuànyì bāng wǒ ma?) Are you willing to help me?
你愿意帮我吗 (nǐ yuànyì bāng wǒ ma): 愿意 (yuànyì, willing) + V. 吗 (ma) for yes/no question. Like a modal verb before the main verb. 经验 (jīngyàn) grammar notes experience 他有很多工作经验。 (Tā yǒu hěn duō gōngzuò jīngyàn.) He has a lot of work experience.
他有很多工作经验 (tā yǒu hěn duō gōngzuò jīngyàn): 有 (yǒu, have) + 很多 (hěn duō, a lot of) + noun. 工作经验 (gōngzuò jīngyàn, work experience). 态度 (tàidù) grammar notes attitude 他的工作态度很好。 (Tā de gōngzuò tàidù hěn hǎo.) His work attitude is very good.
他的工作态度很好 (tā de gōngzuò tàidù hěn hǎo): Possessive 的 (de) chain. 工作态度 (gōngzuò tàidù, work attitude). 很好 (hěn hǎo, very good). 性格 (xìnggé) grammar notes personality / character 她的性格很开朗。 (Tā de xìnggé hěn kāilǎng.) She has a cheerful personality.
她的性格很开朗 (tā de xìnggé hěn kāilǎng): 的 (de) for possession. 性格 (xìnggé, personality) as topic. 开朗 (kāilǎng, cheerful) as predicate. 脾气 (píqi) grammar notes temper 他的脾气不太好。 (Tā de píqi bú tài hǎo.) His temper is not very good.
他的脾气不太好 (tā de píqi bú tài hǎo): 不太好 (bú tài hǎo, not very good) softens the negation. 脾气 (píqi, temper) is the subject. 印象 (yìnxiàng) grammar notes impression 他给我的印象很好。 (Tā gěi wǒ de yìnxiàng hěn hǎo.) He made a very good impression on me.
他给我的印象很好 (tā gěi wǒ de yìnxiàng hěn hǎo): 给我的印象 (gěi wǒ de yìnxiàng, the impression given to me). 给 (gěi, give) + person + 的 (de) + noun. 观点 (guāndiǎn) grammar notes viewpoint / standpoint 我不同意你的观点。 (Wǒ bù tóngyì nǐ de guāndiǎn.) I don't agree with your viewpoint.
我不同意你的观点 (wǒ bù tóngyì nǐ de guāndiǎn): 不 (bù) negates 同意 (tóngyì, agree). 你的观点 (nǐ de guāndiǎn, your viewpoint) uses 的 (de). 开朗 (kāilǎng) grammar notes cheerful / outgoing 她是一个性格开朗的人。 (Tā shì yí ge xìnggé kāilǎng de rén.) She is a cheerful person.
她是一个性格开朗的人 (tā shì yí ge xìnggé kāilǎng de rén): 性格开朗 (xìnggé kāilǎng, cheerful personality) as a compound modifier + 的 (de) + 人 (rén, person). 内向 (nèixiàng) grammar notes introverted 他性格比较内向。 (Tā xìnggé bǐjiào nèixiàng.) He has a rather introverted personality.
他性格比较内向 (tā xìnggé bǐjiào nèixiàng): 比较 (bǐjiào, comparatively) softens the adjective. 性格 (xìnggé, personality) as topic. 外向 (wàixiàng) grammar notes extroverted 她很外向，喜欢交朋友。 (Tā hěn wàixiàng, xǐhuan jiāo péngyou.) She is extroverted and likes making friends.
她很外向，喜欢交朋友 (tā hěn wàixiàng, xǐhuan jiāo péngyou): Two clauses linked by comma. 交朋友 (jiāo péngyou, make friends) = 交 (jiāo, make) + 朋友 (péngyou). 成熟 (chéngshú) grammar notes mature 他比同龄人成熟很多。 (Tā bǐ tónglíngrén chéngshú hěn duō.) He is much more mature than his peers.
他比同龄人成熟很多 (tā bǐ tónglíngrén chéngshú hěn duō): 比 (bǐ) comparison: A + 比 (bǐ) + B + adj + 很多 (hěn duō, much more). 同龄人 (tónglíngrén, peers). 幼稚 (yòuzhì) grammar notes childish / immature 你别那么幼稚。 (Nǐ bié nàme yòuzhì.) 你别那么幼稚 (nǐ bié nàme yòuzhì): 别 (bié, don't) + 那么 (nàme, so/that) + adj. 那么 (nàme) modifies degree of the adjective. 乐观 (lèguān) grammar notes optimistic 她对生活很乐观。 (Tā duì shēnghuó hěn lèguān.) She is very optimistic about life.
她对生活很乐观 (tā duì shēnghuó hěn lèguān): 对 (duì, toward) + 生活 (shēnghuó, life) + adj pattern. 对...乐观 (duì...lèguān, optimistic about). 悲观 (bēiguān) grammar notes pessimistic 不要太悲观了。 (Bùyào tài bēiguān le.) Don't be too pessimistic.
不要太悲观了 (bùyào tài bēiguān le): 不要 (bùyào, don't) + 太...了 (tài...le, too much). Combined negative + excessive pattern. 沮丧 (jǔsàng) grammar notes frustrated / dejected 面试失败了，他很沮丧。 (Miànshì shībài le, tā hěn jǔsàng.) He was dejected after failing the interview.
面试失败了，他很沮丧 (miànshì shībài le, tā hěn jǔsàng): Two clauses: cause + result. 面试 (miànshì, interview) + 失败了 (shībài le, failed). 了 (le) for completion. 提醒 (tíxǐng) grammar notes to remind 请提醒我明天开会。 (Qǐng tíxǐng wǒ míngtiān kāihuì.) Please remind me about the meeting tomorrow.
请提醒我明天开会 (qǐng tíxǐng wǒ míngtiān kāihuì): 请 (qǐng) + V + person + event. 提醒 (tíxǐng, remind) takes person + clause. 开会 (kāihuì, have meeting). 请求 (qǐngqiú) grammar notes to request / request 我有一个请求。 (Wǒ yǒu yí ge qǐngqiú.) 我有一个请求 (wǒ yǒu yí ge qǐngqiú): 有 (yǒu, have) + 一个 (yí ge) + noun. 请求 (qǐngqiú) here functions as a noun. 保证 (bǎozhèng) grammar notes to guarantee / to promise 我保证下次不会迟到。 (Wǒ bǎozhèng xià cì bú huì chídào.) I promise I won't be late next time.
我保证下次不会迟到 (wǒ bǎozhèng xià cì bú huì chídào): 保证 (bǎozhèng, promise) + clause. 下次 (xià cì, next time). 不会 (bú huì, won't). 相信 (xiāngxìn) grammar notes to believe 我相信你说的话。 (Wǒ xiāngxìn nǐ shuō de huà.) 我相信你说的话 (wǒ xiāngxìn nǐ shuō de huà): 相信 (xiāngxìn, believe) + noun phrase. 你说的话 (nǐ shuō de huà, the words you said) uses 的 (de) relative clause. 怀疑 (huáiyí) grammar notes to suspect / to doubt 我怀疑他没有说实话。 (Wǒ huáiyí tā méiyǒu shuō shíhuà.) I suspect he wasn't telling the truth.
我怀疑他没有说实话 (wǒ huáiyí tā méiyǒu shuō shíhuà): 怀疑 (huáiyí, suspect) + clause. 说实话 (shuō shíhuà, tell the truth). 没有 (méiyǒu) negates past. 承认 (chéngrèn) grammar notes to admit 他承认了自己的错误。 (Tā chéngrèn le zìjǐ de cuòwù.) 他承认了自己的错误 (tā chéngrèn le zìjǐ de cuòwù): V + 了 (le) for completion. 自己的错误 (zìjǐ de cuòwù, one's own mistakes). 的 (de) for possession. 否认 (fǒurèn) grammar notes to deny 他否认了那件事。 (Tā fǒurèn le nà jiàn shì.) 他否认了那件事 (tā fǒurèn le nà jiàn shì): V + 了 (le). 那件事 (nà jiàn shì, that matter) uses 件 (jiàn, MW for matters). 夸 (kuā) grammar notes to praise / to compliment 老师夸了他的作文。 (Lǎoshī kuā le tā de zuòwén.) The teacher praised his essay.
老师夸了他的作文 (lǎoshī kuā le tā de zuòwén): SVO + 了 (le). 老师 (lǎoshī, teacher) + 夸 (kuā, praise). 作文 (zuòwén, essay). 抱怨 (bàoyuàn) grammar notes to complain 他总是抱怨天气太热。 (Tā zǒngshì bàoyuàn tiānqì tài rè.) He always complains that the weather is too hot.
他总是抱怨天气太热 (tā zǒngshì bàoyuàn tiānqì tài rè): 总是 (zǒngshì, always) + V + clause. 天气太热 (tiānqì tài rè, weather too hot). 嫉妒 (jídù) grammar notes jealous / to be jealous 不要嫉妒别人的成功。 (Bùyào jídù biérén de chénggōng.) Don't be jealous of others' success.
不要嫉妒别人的成功 (bùyào jídù biérén de chénggōng): 不要 (bùyào, don't) + V + object. 别人的成功 (biérén de chénggōng, others' success). 感激 (gǎnjī) grammar notes grateful 我非常感激你的帮助。 (Wǒ fēicháng gǎnjī nǐ de bāngzhù.) I am very grateful for your help.
我非常感激你的帮助 (wǒ fēicháng gǎnjī nǐ de bāngzhù): 非常 (fēicháng, very) intensifies. 你的帮助 (nǐ de bāngzhù, your help). 的 (de) for possession. 尴尬 (gāngà) grammar notes awkward / embarrassed 那个场面让我很尴尬。 (Nàge chǎngmiàn ràng wǒ hěn gāngà.) That situation made me very embarrassed.
那个场面让我很尴尬 (nàge chǎngmiàn ràng wǒ hěn gāngà): 让 (ràng) + person + adj. 那个场面 (nàge chǎngmiàn, that situation). Causative construction. 委屈 (wěiqu) grammar notes to feel wronged / aggrieved 她觉得很委屈。 (Tā juéde hěn wěiqu.) 她觉得很委屈 (tā juéde hěn wěiqu): 觉得 (juéde, feel) + 很 (hěn) + adj. Reports inner feeling. No 是 (shì) needed. 纠结 (jiūjié) grammar notes to be torn / conflicted 我很纠结，不知道选哪个。 (Wǒ hěn jiūjié, bù zhīdào xuǎn nǎge.) I'm torn, I don't know which one to choose.
我很纠结，不知道选哪个 (wǒ hěn jiūjié, bù zhīdào xuǎn nǎge): Two clauses. 不知道 (bù zhīdào, don't know) + 选哪个 (xuǎn nǎge, which to choose). 哪个 (nǎge, which). 期待 (qīdài) grammar notes to look forward to / expectation 我很期待这次旅行。 (Wǒ hěn qīdài zhè cì lǚxíng.) I'm really looking forward to this trip.
我很期待这次旅行 (wǒ hěn qīdài zhè cì lǚxíng): 很 (hěn) before verb-like adjective. 这次 (zhè cì, this time) uses 次 (cì, MW for occurrences). 旅行 (lǚxíng, trip). 郁闷 (yùmèn) grammar notes depressed / gloomy 最近我心情有点郁闷。 (Zuìjìn wǒ xīnqíng yǒudiǎn yùmèn.) I've been feeling a bit down lately.
最近我心情有点郁闷 (zuìjìn wǒ xīnqíng yǒudiǎn yùmèn): 最近 (zuìjìn, recently) at start. 有点 (yǒudiǎn, a bit) softens. 心情 (xīnqíng, mood) as topic. 佩服 (pèifu) grammar notes to admire 我很佩服他的勇气。 (Wǒ hěn pèifu tā de yǒngqì.) I really admire his courage.
我很佩服他的勇气 (wǒ hěn pèifu tā de yǒngqì): 很 (hěn) + V. 他的勇气 (tā de yǒngqì, his courage). 佩服 (pèifu, admire) takes a direct object. 值得 (zhíde) grammar notes worthwhile / to deserve 这本书值得一看。 (Zhè běn shū zhíde yí kàn.) This book is worth reading.
这本书值得一看 (zhè běn shū zhíde yí kàn): 值得 (zhíde, worth) + V. 一看 (yí kàn, a look/read). 本 (běn, MW for books). 合适 (héshì) grammar notes suitable / appropriate 这个时间合适吗？ (Zhège shíjiān héshì ma?) 这个时间合适吗 (zhège shíjiān héshì ma): Subject + adj + 吗 (ma). 合适 (héshì, suitable) as predicate. Simple yes/no question. 明显 (míngxiǎn) grammar notes obvious / evident 他的进步很明显。 (Tā de jìnbù hěn míngxiǎn.) His progress is very obvious.
他的进步很明显 (tā de jìnbù hěn míngxiǎn): 的 (de) for possession. 进步 (jìnbù, progress) as subject. 很明显 (hěn míngxiǎn, very obvious). 复杂 (fùzá) grammar notes complicated / complex 这个问题很复杂。 (Zhège wèntí hěn fùzá.) This problem is very complicated.
这个问题很复杂 (zhège wèntí hěn fùzá): 这个 (zhège, this) + 问题 (wèntí, problem) + 很 (hěn) + adj. Standard adjective predicate. 简单 (jiǎndān) grammar notes simple / easy 这道题很简单。 (Zhè dào tí hěn jiǎndān.) This question is very simple.
这道题很简单 (zhè dào tí hěn jiǎndān): 道 (dào, MW for questions). 很简单 (hěn jiǎndān, very simple). Basic pattern. 普通 (pǔtōng) grammar notes ordinary / common 他是一个普通的上班族。 (Tā shì yí ge pǔtōng de shàngbānzú.) He is an ordinary office worker.
他是一个普通的上班族 (tā shì yí ge pǔtōng de shàngbānzú): 是 (shì) + 一个 (yí ge) + adj + 的 (de) + noun. 上班族 (shàngbānzú, office worker). 奇怪 (qíguài) grammar notes strange / weird 这件事很奇怪。 (Zhè jiàn shì hěn qíguài.) This matter is very strange.
这件事很奇怪 (zhè jiàn shì hěn qíguài): 件 (jiàn, MW for matters). 这件事 (zhè jiàn shì, this matter) + 很 (hěn) + adj. 无所谓 (wúsuǒwèi) grammar notes doesn't matter / indifferent 去哪里都无所谓。 (Qù nǎlǐ dōu wúsuǒwèi.) It doesn't matter where we go.
去哪里都无所谓 (qù nǎlǐ dōu wúsuǒwèi): 哪里都 (nǎlǐ dōu, anywhere) + 无所谓 (wúsuǒwèi, doesn't matter). 都 (dōu) with question word = any. 故意 (gùyì) grammar notes on purpose / deliberately 他不是故意的。 (Tā bú shì gùyì de.) He didn't do it on purpose.
他不是故意的 (tā bú shì gùyì de): 不是...的 (bú shì...de) negates the manner. 故意的 (gùyì de, on purpose). 的 (de) nominalizes. 另外 (lìngwài) grammar notes in addition / moreover 另外，我还有一个问题。 (Lìngwài, wǒ hái yǒu yí ge wèntí.) In addition, I have another question.
另外，我还有一个问题 (lìngwài, wǒ hái yǒu yí ge wèntí): 另外 (lìngwài, in addition) as sentence connector. 还有 (hái yǒu, also have). 还 (hái, also). 总之 (zǒngzhī) grammar notes in short / in a word 总之，我们需要更努力。 (Zǒngzhī, wǒmen xūyào gèng nǔlì.) In short, we need to work harder.
总之，我们需要更努力 (zǒngzhī, wǒmen xūyào gèng nǔlì): 总之 (zǒngzhī, in short) summarizes. 更 (gèng, more/even more) before adj 努力 (nǔlì, hardworking). 而且 (érqiě) grammar notes moreover / and also 他聪明，而且很努力。 (Tā cōngming, érqiě hěn nǔlì.) He is smart, and moreover very hardworking.
他聪明，而且很努力 (tā cōngming, érqiě hěn nǔlì): 而且 (érqiě, moreover) connects two descriptions. Adds information. 聪明 (cōngming, smart). 不过 (búguò) grammar notes however / but 这家餐厅不错，不过有点贵。 (Zhè jiā cāntīng búcuò, búguò yǒudiǎn guì.) This restaurant is good, but a bit expensive.
这家餐厅不错，不过有点贵 (zhè jiā cāntīng búcuò, búguò yǒudiǎn guì): 不过 (búguò, however) introduces contrast. 有点 (yǒudiǎn, a bit) before adj. 贵 (guì, expensive). 否则 (fǒuzé) grammar notes otherwise 快点走，否则要迟到了。 (Kuài diǎn zǒu, fǒuzé yào chídào le.) Hurry up, otherwise we'll be late.
快点走，否则要迟到了 (kuài diǎn zǒu, fǒuzé yào chídào le): 否则 (fǒuzé, otherwise) links consequence. 快点 (kuài diǎn, hurry). 要...了 (yào...le, about to). 即使 (jíshǐ) grammar notes even if 即使下雨，我也会去。 (Jíshǐ xiàyǔ, wǒ yě huì qù.) Even if it rains, I will go.
即使下雨，我也会去 (jíshǐ xiàyǔ, wǒ yě huì qù): 即使...也 (jíshǐ...yě, even if...still) paired pattern. 也 (yě, still/also) in the result clause. 只要 (zhǐyào) grammar notes as long as 只要你努力，就会成功。 (Zhǐyào nǐ nǔlì, jiù huì chénggōng.) As long as you work hard, you will succeed.
只要你努力，就会成功 (zhǐyào nǐ nǔlì, jiù huì chénggōng): 只要...就 (zhǐyào...jiù, as long as...then) paired pattern. 成功 (chénggōng, succeed). 不但 (búdàn) grammar notes not only 他不但会中文，还会日语。 (Tā búdàn huì Zhōngwén, hái huì Rìyǔ.) He not only knows Chinese, but also Japanese.
他不但会中文，还会日语 (tā búdàn huì Zhōngwén, hái huì Rìyǔ): 不但...还 (búdàn...hái, not only...but also) paired pattern. 日语 (Rìyǔ, Japanese). 结果 (jiéguǒ) grammar notes result / outcome 考试结果什么时候出来？ (Kǎoshì jiéguǒ shénme shíhou chūlái?) When will the exam results come out?
考试结果什么时候出来 (kǎoshì jiéguǒ shénme shíhou chūlái): 什么时候 (shénme shíhou, when) question word. 出来 (chūlái, come out) directional complement. 原因 (yuányīn) grammar notes reason / cause 你迟到的原因是什么？ (Nǐ chídào de yuányīn shì shénme?) What is the reason you were late?
你迟到的原因是什么 (nǐ chídào de yuányīn shì shénme): Relative clause 迟到的 (chídào de) modifies 原因 (yuányīn, reason). 是什么 (shì shénme, is what). 目的 (mùdì) grammar notes purpose / goal 你学中文的目的是什么？ (Nǐ xué Zhōngwén de mùdì shì shénme?) What is your purpose for learning Chinese?
你学中文的目的是什么 (nǐ xué Zhōngwén de mùdì shì shénme): 学中文的 (xué Zhōngwén de) = 'of studying Chinese' modifies 目的 (mùdì, purpose). 的 (de) relative clause. 情况 (qíngkuàng) grammar notes situation / condition 你能说说现在的情况吗？ (Nǐ néng shuōshuō xiànzài de qíngkuàng ma?) Can you describe the current situation?
你能说说现在的情况吗 (nǐ néng shuōshuō xiànzài de qíngkuàng ma): 说说 (shuōshuō) reduplicates verb to soften. 现在的 (xiànzài de, current) modifies 情况 (qíngkuàng, situation). 关系 (guānxi) grammar notes relationship / connection 他们的关系很好。 (Tāmen de guānxi hěn hǎo.) Their relationship is very good.
他们的关系很好 (tāmen de guānxi hěn hǎo): 的 (de) for possession. 关系 (guānxi, relationship) as subject. 很好 (hěn hǎo) predicate. 机会 (jīhuì) grammar notes opportunity / chance 这是一个很好的机会。 (Zhè shì yí ge hěn hǎo de jīhuì.) This is a very good opportunity.
这是一个很好的机会 (zhè shì yí ge hěn hǎo de jīhuì): 是 (shì) + 一个 (yí ge) + 很好的 (hěn hǎo de, very good) + 机会 (jīhuì, opportunity). Adj + 的 (de) + noun. 成功 (chénggōng) grammar notes success / to succeed 祝你成功！ (Zhù nǐ chénggōng!) 祝你成功 (zhù nǐ chénggōng): 祝 (zhù, wish) + person + outcome. 祝你 (zhù nǐ, wish you) + adj/noun. Blessing pattern. 失败 (shībài) grammar notes failure / to fail 失败是成功之母。 (Shībài shì chénggōng zhī mǔ.) Failure is the mother of success.
失败是成功之母 (shībài shì chénggōng zhī mǔ): 是 (shì) links subject to predicate. 之 (zhī) is a classical possessive (= 的 de). 母 (mǔ, mother). Proverb. 努力 (nǔlì) grammar notes to work hard / effort 他学习很努力。 (Tā xuéxí hěn nǔlì.) 他学习很努力 (tā xuéxí hěn nǔlì): Topic-comment: 学习 (xuéxí, study) is topic, 很努力 (hěn nǔlì, very hardworking) is comment. 坚持 (jiānchí) grammar notes to persist / to insist 你要坚持下去。 (Nǐ yào jiānchí xiàqù.) 你要坚持下去 (nǐ yào jiānchí xiàqù): 要 (yào, need to) + V + directional complement 下去 (xiàqù, keep going/continue). 放弃 (fàngqì) grammar notes to give up 不要轻易放弃。 (Bùyào qīngyì fàngqì.) 不要轻易放弃 (bùyào qīngyì fàngqì): 不要 (bùyào, don't) + adv + V. 轻易 (qīngyì, easily/lightly) modifies 放弃 (fàngqì, give up). 进步 (jìnbù) grammar notes progress / to improve 你的中文进步很大。 (Nǐ de Zhōngwén jìnbù hěn dà.) Your Chinese has improved a lot.
你的中文进步很大 (nǐ de Zhōngwén jìnbù hěn dà): 进步很大 (jìnbù hěn dà, progress is great). 大 (dà, big/great) describes the degree of 进步 (jìnbù). 缺点 (quēdiǎn) grammar notes shortcoming / weakness 每个人都有缺点。 (Měi ge rén dōu yǒu quēdiǎn.) Everyone has shortcomings.
每个人都有缺点 (měi ge rén dōu yǒu quēdiǎn): 每个人 (měi ge rén, everyone) + 都 (dōu, all) + 有 (yǒu, have). Universal statement pattern. 优点 (yōudiǎn) grammar notes advantage / strength 他的优点是很有耐心。 (Tā de yōudiǎn shì hěn yǒu nàixīn.) His strength is being very patient.
他的优点是很有耐心 (tā de yōudiǎn shì hěn yǒu nàixīn): 是 (shì) links subject to predicate. 有耐心 (yǒu nàixīn, have patience) = 有 (yǒu) + noun. 注意 (zhùyì) grammar notes to pay attention / attention 请注意安全。 (Qǐng zhùyì ānquán.) Please pay attention to safety.
请注意安全 (qǐng zhùyì ānquán): 请 (qǐng, please) + V + object. 安全 (ānquán, safety). Polite imperative. 提供 (tígōng) grammar notes to provide / to offer 这家酒店提供免费早餐。 (Zhè jiā jiǔdiàn tígōng miǎnfèi zǎocān.) This hotel provides free breakfast.
这家酒店提供免费早餐 (zhè jiā jiǔdiàn tígōng miǎnfèi zǎocān): SVO. 家 (jiā, MW for businesses). 免费 (miǎnfèi, free) + 早餐 (zǎocān, breakfast). 影响 (yǐngxiǎng) grammar notes influence / to affect 天气影响了我们的计划。 (Tiānqì yǐngxiǎng le wǒmen de jìhuà.) The weather affected our plans.
天气影响了我们的计划 (tiānqì yǐngxiǎng le wǒmen de jìhuà): V + 了 (le) for completed action. 我们的计划 (wǒmen de jìhuà, our plan). SVO order. 改变 (gǎibiàn) grammar notes to change / change 他改变了自己的计划。 (Tā gǎibiàn le zìjǐ de jìhuà.) 他改变了自己的计划 (tā gǎibiàn le zìjǐ de jìhuà): V + 了 (le) for completion. 自己的 (zìjǐ de, one's own) + 计划 (jìhuà, plan). 解决 (jiějué) grammar notes to solve / to resolve 我们要一起解决这个问题。 (Wǒmen yào yìqǐ jiějué zhège wèntí.) We need to solve this problem together.
我们要一起解决这个问题 (wǒmen yào yìqǐ jiějué zhège wèntí): 要 (yào, need) + 一起 (yìqǐ, together) + V + object. 问题 (wèntí, problem). 选择 (xuǎnzé) grammar notes to choose / choice 你想选择哪一个？ (Nǐ xiǎng xuǎnzé nǎ yí ge?) Which one do you want to choose?
你想选择哪一个 (nǐ xiǎng xuǎnzé nǎ yí ge): 想 (xiǎng, want) + V + 哪一个 (nǎ yí ge, which one). Question word in object position. 考虑 (kǎolǜ) grammar notes to consider / to think over 让我考虑一下。 (Ràng wǒ kǎolǜ yíxià.) 让我考虑一下 (ràng wǒ kǎolǜ yíxià): 让 (ràng, let) + person + V + 一下 (yíxià). 一下 (yíxià) softens (think about it briefly). 表示 (biǎoshì) grammar notes to express / to indicate 他表示同意。 (Tā biǎoshì tóngyì.) He expressed his agreement.
他表示同意 (tā biǎoshì tóngyì): 表示 (biǎoshì, express) + verb/noun. 同意 (tóngyì, agreement). Formal way to state a position. 提出 (tíchū) grammar notes to propose / to put forward 她提出了一个好主意。 (Tā tíchū le yí ge hǎo zhǔyi.) She proposed a good idea.
她提出了一个好主意 (tā tíchū le yí ge hǎo zhǔyi): V + 了 (le) + object. 好主意 (hǎo zhǔyi, good idea). 提出 (tíchū, propose) = 提 (tí) + 出 (chū, out). 发现 (fāxiàn) grammar notes to discover / to find out 我发现了一个有趣的事情。 (Wǒ fāxiàn le yí ge yǒuqù de shìqing.) I discovered something interesting.
我发现了一个有趣的事情 (wǒ fāxiàn le yí ge yǒuqù de shìqing): V + 了 (le). 有趣的 (yǒuqù de, interesting) + 事情 (shìqing, thing). Adj + 的 (de) + noun. 认为 (rènwéi) grammar notes to think / to believe 我认为这样做不对。 (Wǒ rènwéi zhèyàng zuò bú duì.) I think it's wrong to do it this way.
我认为这样做不对 (wǒ rènwéi zhèyàng zuò bú duì): 认为 (rènwéi, think/believe) + clause. 这样做 (zhèyàng zuò, do it this way). 不对 (bú duì, incorrect). 表现 (biǎoxiàn) grammar notes performance / to perform 他今天的表现很好。 (Tā jīntiān de biǎoxiàn hěn hǎo.) His performance today is very good.
他今天的表现很好 (tā jīntiān de biǎoxiàn hěn hǎo): 今天的 (jīntiān de, today's) modifies 表现 (biǎoxiàn, performance). 的 (de) for temporal possession. 主意 (zhǔyi) grammar notes idea / plan 你有什么好主意？ (Nǐ yǒu shénme hǎo zhǔyi?) Do you have any good ideas?
你有什么好主意 (nǐ yǒu shénme hǎo zhǔyi): 有 (yǒu, have) + 什么 (shénme, what) + adj + noun. Question word as modifier. 办法 (bànfǎ) grammar notes method / way / solution 我想不到好办法。 (Wǒ xiǎng bú dào hǎo bànfǎ.) I can't think of a good solution.
我想不到好办法 (wǒ xiǎng bú dào hǎo bànfǎ): 想不到 (xiǎng bú dào) = can't think of (potential complement with 不 bù). 好办法 (hǎo bànfǎ, good solution). 道理 (dàolǐ) grammar notes reason / logic / principle 你说得有道理。 (Nǐ shuō de yǒu dàolǐ.) What you said makes sense.
你说得有道理 (nǐ shuō de yǒu dàolǐ): V + 得 (de) + complement. 有道理 (yǒu dàolǐ, have logic/makes sense). 得 (de) degree complement. 比如 (bǐrú) grammar notes for example 我喜欢水果，比如苹果和香蕉。 (Wǒ xǐhuan shuǐguǒ, bǐrú píngguǒ hé xiāngjiāo.) I like fruit, for example apples and bananas.
我喜欢水果，比如苹果和香蕉 (wǒ xǐhuan shuǐguǒ, bǐrú píngguǒ hé xiāngjiāo): 比如 (bǐrú, for example) introduces examples. 和 (hé, and) connects nouns. 根据 (gēnjù) grammar notes according to / based on 根据天气预报，明天会下雨。 (Gēnjù tiānqì yùbào, míngtiān huì xiàyǔ.) According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
根据天气预报，明天会下雨 (gēnjù tiānqì yùbào, míngtiān huì xiàyǔ): 根据 (gēnjù, according to) + source at start. 天气预报 (tiānqì yùbào, weather forecast). 会 (huì, will). 甚至 (shènzhì) grammar notes even / so much so that 他甚至不知道她的名字。 (Tā shènzhì bù zhīdào tā de míngzi.) He doesn't even know her name.
他甚至不知道她的名字 (tā shènzhì bù zhīdào tā de míngzi): 甚至 (shènzhì, even) before verb emphasizes the extreme. 不知道 (bù zhīdào, doesn't know). 反而 (fǎn'ér) grammar notes on the contrary / instead 吃了药，病反而更重了。 (Chī le yào, bìng fǎn'ér gèng zhòng le.) After taking the medicine, the illness got worse instead.
吃了药，病反而更重了 (chī le yào, bìng fǎn'ér gèng zhòng le): 反而 (fǎn'ér, instead/on the contrary) signals unexpected result. 更 (gèng, even more) + 重 (zhòng, serious). 既然 (jìrán) grammar notes since / now that 既然来了，就多待一会儿吧。 (Jìrán lái le, jiù duō dāi yíhuìr ba.) Since you're here, stay a while longer.
既然来了，就多待一会儿吧 (jìrán lái le, jiù duō dāi yíhuìr ba): 既然...就 (jìrán...jiù, since...then) paired pattern. 一会儿 (yíhuìr, a while). 吧 (ba, suggestion). 万一 (wànyī) grammar notes in case / what if 带把伞吧，万一下雨呢。 (Dài bǎ sǎn ba, wànyī xiàyǔ ne.) Bring an umbrella, just in case it rains.
带把伞吧，万一下雨呢 (dài bǎ sǎn ba, wànyī xiàyǔ ne): 万一 (wànyī, in case) introduces possibility. 呢 (ne) softens. 把 (bǎ, MW for umbrellas). 伞 (sǎn, umbrella). 至少 (zhìshǎo) grammar notes at least 你至少要学两个小时。 (Nǐ zhìshǎo yào xué liǎng ge xiǎoshí.) You need to study at least two hours.
你至少要学两个小时 (nǐ zhìshǎo yào xué liǎng ge xiǎoshí): 至少 (zhìshǎo, at least) before verb phrase. 两个小时 (liǎng ge xiǎoshí, two hours) is duration. 差不多 (chàbuduō) grammar notes almost / about the same 我们差不多该走了。 (Wǒmen chàbuduō gāi zǒu le.) 我们差不多该走了 (wǒmen chàbuduō gāi zǒu le): 差不多 (chàbuduō, almost) + 该 (gāi, should) + V + 了 (le). 该...了 (gāi...le, it's time to). 的确 (díquè) grammar notes indeed / certainly 他的确很努力。 (Tā díquè hěn nǔlì.) He is indeed very hardworking.
他的确很努力 (tā díquè hěn nǔlì): 的确 (díquè, indeed) before predicate confirms. 很努力 (hěn nǔlì, very hardworking). Adverb position. 千万 (qiānwàn) grammar notes absolutely must / by all means 你千万别忘了。 (Nǐ qiānwàn bié wàng le.) You absolutely must not forget.
你千万别忘了 (nǐ qiānwàn bié wàng le): 千万 (qiānwàn, absolutely must) + 别 (bié, don't) + V. Strong emphasis. 忘了 (wàng le, forget). 不好意思 (bùhǎoyìsi) grammar notes embarrassed / excuse me 不好意思，让你久等了。 (Bùhǎoyìsi, ràng nǐ jiǔ děng le.) Sorry for making you wait so long.
不好意思，让你久等了 (bùhǎoyìsi, ràng nǐ jiǔ děng le): 不好意思 (bùhǎoyìsi, sorry/embarrassed) as opener. 让 (ràng) + person + V = made you wait. 久 (jiǔ, long time). 恭喜 (gōngxǐ) grammar notes congratulations 恭喜你结婚了！ (Gōngxǐ nǐ jiéhūn le!) Congratulations on your wedding!
恭喜你结婚了 (gōngxǐ nǐ jiéhūn le): 恭喜 (gōngxǐ) + person + event. 结婚了 (jiéhūn le, got married). 了 (le) for completed change. 来得及 (láidejí) grammar notes to have enough time / not too late 现在出发还来得及。 (Xiànzài chūfā hái láidejí.) There's still time if we leave now.
现在出发还来得及 (xiànzài chūfā hái láidejí): 来得及 (láidejí, have enough time) is a potential complement form. 还 (hái, still) + V. 出发 (chūfā, depart). 来不及 (láibují) grammar notes too late / not enough time 来不及了，打车去吧。 (Láibují le, dǎchē qù ba.) There's no time, let's take a taxi.
来不及了，打车去吧 (láibují le, dǎchē qù ba): 来不及 (láibují, no time) is negative potential complement. 了 (le) marks current state. 打车 (dǎchē, take a taxi). 受不了 (shòubùliǎo) grammar notes can't stand / unbearable 这个天气热得让人受不了。 (Zhège tiānqì rè de ràng rén shòubùliǎo.) This weather is unbearably hot.
这个天气热得让人受不了 (zhège tiānqì rè de ràng rén shòubùliǎo): 得 (de) + complement. 受不了 (shòubùliǎo, can't stand) = potential complement with 不 (bù). 让人 (ràng rén, makes people). 看不起 (kànbùqǐ) grammar notes to look down on / to despise 不要看不起任何人。 (Bùyào kànbùqǐ rènhé rén.) Don't look down on anyone.
不要看不起任何人 (bùyào kànbùqǐ rènhé rén): 不要 (bùyào, don't) + V. 看不起 (kànbùqǐ, look down on) is a separable potential complement. 任何人 (rènhé rén, anyone). 对付 (duìfu) grammar notes to deal with / to cope 我不知道怎么对付这个问题。 (Wǒ bù zhīdào zěnme duìfu zhège wèntí.) I don't know how to deal with this problem.
我不知道怎么对付这个问题 (wǒ bù zhīdào zěnme duìfu zhège wèntí): 不知道 (bù zhīdào) + 怎么 (zěnme, how) + V. Embedded question. 问题 (wèntí, problem). 处理 (chǔlǐ) grammar notes to handle / to deal with 这件事你来处理吧。 (Zhè jiàn shì nǐ lái chǔlǐ ba.) 这件事你来处理吧 (zhè jiàn shì nǐ lái chǔlǐ ba): Topic fronted: 这件事 (zhè jiàn shì, this matter) + S + V. 你来 (nǐ lái, you do it) volunteers. 吧 (ba, suggestion). 思考 (sīkǎo) grammar notes to ponder / to think deeply 让我再思考一下。 (Ràng wǒ zài sīkǎo yíxià.) Let me think about it some more.
让我再思考一下 (ràng wǒ zài sīkǎo yíxià): 让 (ràng, let) + person + 再 (zài, again/more) + V + 一下 (yíxià). 再 (zài) indicates further action. 回忆 (huíyì) grammar notes to recall / memories 那些都是美好的回忆。 (Nàxiē dōu shì měihǎo de huíyì.) Those are all beautiful memories.
那些都是美好的回忆 (nàxiē dōu shì měihǎo de huíyì): 那些 (nàxiē, those) + 都 (dōu, all). 美好的 (měihǎo de, beautiful) + 回忆 (huíyì, memories). Adj + 的 (de) + noun. 了解 (liǎojiě) grammar notes to understand / to know about 我想了解更多关于中国文化的事。 (Wǒ xiǎng liǎojiě gèng duō guānyú Zhōngguó wénhuà de shì.) I want to learn more about Chinese culture.
我想了解更多关于中国文化的事 (wǒ xiǎng liǎojiě gèng duō guānyú Zhōngguó wénhuà de shì): 想 (xiǎng) + V. 关于 (guānyú, about) + topic + 的 (de) + 事 (shì, things). 熟悉 (shúxī) grammar notes familiar / to be familiar with 我对这个地方很熟悉。 (Wǒ duì zhège dìfang hěn shúxī.) I am very familiar with this place.
我对这个地方很熟悉 (wǒ duì zhège dìfang hěn shúxī): 对 (duì, toward) + object + adj pattern. 对...熟悉 (duì...shúxī, familiar with). 地方 (dìfang, place). 陌生 (mòshēng) grammar notes unfamiliar / strange 我在一个陌生的城市。 (Wǒ zài yí ge mòshēng de chéngshì.) I am in an unfamiliar city.
我在一个陌生的城市 (wǒ zài yí ge mòshēng de chéngshì): 在 (zài, at/in) + place. 陌生的 (mòshēng de, unfamiliar) + 城市 (chéngshì, city). Adj + 的 (de) + noun. 陌生人 (mòshēngrén) grammar notes stranger 不要和陌生人说话。 (Bùyào hé mòshēngrén shuōhuà.) 不要和陌生人说话 (bùyào hé mòshēngrén shuōhuà): 不要 (bùyào, don't) + 和 (hé, with) + person + V. 说话 (shuōhuà, speak/talk). 点头 (diǎntóu) grammar notes to nod 他点头表示同意。 (Tā diǎntóu biǎoshì tóngyì.) He nodded to show agreement.
他点头表示同意 (tā diǎntóu biǎoshì tóngyì): Verb serialization: 点头 (diǎntóu, nod) + 表示 (biǎoshì, indicate) + 同意 (tóngyì, agreement). Actions in sequence. 摇头 (yáotóu) grammar notes to shake one's head 她摇头表示不同意。 (Tā yáotóu biǎoshì bù tóngyì.) She shook her head to show disagreement.
她摇头表示不同意 (tā yáotóu biǎoshì bù tóngyì): Same serial verb pattern. 摇头 (yáotóu, shake head) + 表示 (biǎoshì) + 不同意 (bù tóngyì, disagree). 微笑 (wēixiào) grammar notes to smile / smile 她总是带着微笑。 (Tā zǒngshì dài zhe wēixiào.) 她总是带着微笑 (tā zǒngshì dài zhe wēixiào): 总是 (zǒngshì, always) + V. 带着 (dài zhe, carry/wear) uses 着 (zhe) for ongoing state. 微笑 (wēixiào, smile) as object. 哭 (kū) grammar notes to cry 小孩子哭了。 (Xiǎo háizi kū le.) 小孩子哭了 (xiǎo háizi kū le): 小 (xiǎo, little) + 孩子 (háizi, child). V + 了 (le) for completed action / change of state (started crying). 笑 (xiào) grammar notes to laugh / to smile 大家都笑了。 (Dàjiā dōu xiào le.) 大家都笑了 (dàjiā dōu xiào le): 大家 (dàjiā, everyone) + 都 (dōu, all) + V + 了 (le). 都 (dōu) emphasizes universality. 拥抱 (yōngbào) grammar notes to hug / embrace 朋友们拥抱在一起。 (Péngyoumen yōngbào zài yìqǐ.) The friends hugged each other.
朋友们拥抱在一起 (péngyoumen yōngbào zài yìqǐ): 们 (men) for plural. V + 在一起 (zài yìqǐ, together). 在一起 (zài yìqǐ) indicates resulting state. 握手 (wòshǒu) grammar notes to shake hands 他们握手问好。 (Tāmen wòshǒu wènhǎo.) They shook hands and greeted each other.
他们握手问好 (tāmen wòshǒu wènhǎo): Serial verbs: 握手 (wòshǒu, shake hands) + 问好 (wènhǎo, greet). Two actions in sequence. 聚会 (jùhuì) grammar notes gathering / party 周末我们有一个聚会。 (Zhōumò wǒmen yǒu yí ge jùhuì.) We have a gathering this weekend.
周末我们有一个聚会 (zhōumò wǒmen yǒu yí ge jùhuì): 周末 (zhōumò, weekend) time word at start. 有 (yǒu, have) + 一个 (yí ge) + 聚会 (jùhuì, gathering). 活动 (huódòng) grammar notes activity / event 学校组织了很多活动。 (Xuéxiào zǔzhī le hěn duō huódòng.) The school organized many activities.
学校组织了很多活动 (xuéxiào zǔzhī le hěn duō huódòng): 组织 (zǔzhī, organize) + 了 (le) for completion. 很多 (hěn duō, many) + 活动 (huódòng, activities). 参加 (cānjiā) grammar notes to participate / to attend 你想参加这个活动吗？ (Nǐ xiǎng cānjiā zhège huódòng ma?) Do you want to participate in this activity?
你想参加这个活动吗 (nǐ xiǎng cānjiā zhège huódòng ma): 想 (xiǎng, want) + V + object + 吗 (ma). 活动 (huódòng, activity). 缺席 (quēxí) grammar notes to be absent 他今天缺席了会议。 (Tā jīntiān quēxí le huìyì.) He was absent from the meeting today.
他今天缺席了会议 (tā jīntiān quēxí le huìyì): 今天 (jīntiān, today) time word. V + 了 (le) + object. 会议 (huìyì, meeting). 推迟 (tuīchí) grammar notes to postpone / to delay 会议推迟到下周。 (Huìyì tuīchí dào xià zhōu.) The meeting has been postponed to next week.
会议推迟到下周 (huìyì tuīchí dào xià zhōu): V + 到 (dào, to/until) + time. 推迟到 (tuīchí dào, postponed to). 下周 (xià zhōu, next week). 提前 (tíqián) grammar notes in advance / ahead of time 请提前十分钟到。 (Qǐng tíqián shí fēnzhōng dào.) Please arrive ten minutes early.
请提前十分钟到 (qǐng tíqián shí fēnzhōng dào): 提前 (tíqián, in advance) + duration + V. 十分钟 (shí fēnzhōng, ten minutes). 到 (dào, arrive). 临时 (línshí) grammar notes temporary / last-minute 他临时改变了计划。 (Tā línshí gǎibiàn le jìhuà.) He changed his plans at the last minute.
他临时改变了计划 (tā línshí gǎibiàn le jìhuà): 临时 (línshí, last-minute) as adverb before verb. 改变了 (gǎibiàn le, changed) + 计划 (jìhuà, plan). 约会 (yuēhuì) grammar notes date / appointment 他今天有一个约会。 (Tā jīntiān yǒu yí ge yuēhuì.) 他今天有一个约会 (tā jīntiān yǒu yí ge yuēhuì): 有 (yǒu, have) + 一个 (yí ge) + noun. 今天 (jīntiān, today) time word. 约会 (yuēhuì, date). 送别 (sòngbié) grammar notes to see off / farewell 我们去机场送别朋友。 (Wǒmen qù jīchǎng sòngbié péngyou.) We went to the airport to see off our friend.
我们去机场送别朋友 (wǒmen qù jīchǎng sòngbié péngyou): Serial verbs: 去 (qù, go) + 机场 (jīchǎng, airport) + 送别 (sòngbié, see off) + 朋友 (péngyou, friend). 想念 (xiǎngniàn) grammar notes to miss (someone) 我很想念在国外的朋友。 (Wǒ hěn xiǎngniàn zài guówài de péngyou.) I really miss my friends abroad.
我很想念在国外的朋友 (wǒ hěn xiǎngniàn zài guówài de péngyou): 很 (hěn) intensifies 想念 (xiǎngniàn, miss). 在国外的 (zài guówài de, abroad) modifies 朋友 (péngyou). 的 (de) relative clause. 牵挂 (qiānguà) grammar notes to worry about / to be concerned about 妈妈总是牵挂远方的孩子。 (Māma zǒngshì qiānguà yuǎnfāng de háizi.) Mom always worries about her children far away.
妈妈总是牵挂远方的孩子 (māma zǒngshì qiānguà yuǎnfāng de háizi): 总是 (zǒngshì, always) before V. 远方的 (yuǎnfāng de, distant) + 孩子 (háizi, children). 的 (de) modifier. 抱歉 (bàoqiàn) grammar notes to feel sorry / to be apologetic 我很抱歉给你添了麻烦。 (Wǒ hěn bàoqiàn gěi nǐ tiān le máfan.) I'm sorry for causing you trouble.
我很抱歉给你添了麻烦 (wǒ hěn bàoqiàn gěi nǐ tiān le máfan): 给 (gěi, to/for) + person + V. 添了麻烦 (tiān le máfan, caused trouble). 了 (le) completed. 幸运 (xìngyùn) grammar notes lucky / fortunate 能认识你，我很幸运。 (Néng rènshi nǐ, wǒ hěn xìngyùn.) I'm lucky to have met you.
能认识你，我很幸运 (néng rènshi nǐ, wǒ hěn xìngyùn): Cause-result: 能认识你 (néng rènshi nǐ, being able to know you) is the reason. 能 (néng, able to). 不幸 (búxìng) grammar notes unfortunate / unlucky 很不幸，他的航班取消了。 (Hěn búxìng, tā de hángbān qǔxiāo le.) Unfortunately, his flight was cancelled.
很不幸，他的航班取消了 (hěn búxìng, tā de hángbān qǔxiāo le): 很不幸 (hěn búxìng, unfortunately) as sentence opener. 航班 (hángbān, flight) + 取消了 (qǔxiāo le, was cancelled). 幸福 (xìngfú) grammar notes happy / blissful / happiness 她觉得自己很幸福。 (Tā juéde zìjǐ hěn xìngfú.) 她觉得自己很幸福 (tā juéde zìjǐ hěn xìngfú): 觉得 (juéde, feel) + clause. 自己 (zìjǐ, oneself) as embedded subject. 很幸福 (hěn xìngfú, very happy). 痛苦 (tòngkǔ) grammar notes painful / suffering 分别是一件痛苦的事。 (Fēnbié shì yí jiàn tòngkǔ de shì.) Parting is a painful thing.
分别是一件痛苦的事 (fēnbié shì yí jiàn tòngkǔ de shì): 分别 (fēnbié, parting) as subject. 一件 (yí jiàn, MW) + adj + 的 (de) + 事 (shì, thing). 惊喜 (jīngxǐ) grammar notes pleasant surprise 他给了我一个惊喜。 (Tā gěi le wǒ yí ge jīngxǐ.) He gave me a pleasant surprise.
他给了我一个惊喜 (tā gěi le wǒ yí ge jīngxǐ): 给了 (gěi le, gave) + indirect obj + 一个 (yí ge) + noun. Double-object with 了 (le) completed. 同情 (tóngqíng) grammar notes sympathy / to sympathize 我非常同情他的遭遇。 (Wǒ fēicháng tóngqíng tā de zāoyù.) I deeply sympathize with what happened to him.
我非常同情他的遭遇 (wǒ fēicháng tóngqíng tā de zāoyù): 非常 (fēicháng, very) + V. 他的遭遇 (tā de zāoyù, his experience/ordeal). 的 (de) possession. 感受 (gǎnshòu) grammar notes feeling / to feel / experience 请说说你的感受。 (Qǐng shuōshuō nǐ de gǎnshòu.) Please share your feelings.
请说说你的感受 (qǐng shuōshuō nǐ de gǎnshòu): 说说 (shuōshuō) verb reduplication softens request. 你的感受 (nǐ de gǎnshòu, your feelings). 的 (de) possession. 情绪 (qíngxù) grammar notes emotion / mood 你要学会控制自己的情绪。 (Nǐ yào xuéhuì kòngzhì zìjǐ de qíngxù.) You need to learn to control your emotions.
你要学会控制自己的情绪 (nǐ yào xuéhuì kòngzhì zìjǐ de qíngxù): 要 (yào, need) + 学会 (xuéhuì, learn to) + V. 控制 (kòngzhì, control) + 自己的 (zìjǐ de, one's own) + 情绪 (qíngxù, emotions). 压力 (yālì) grammar notes pressure / stress 工作压力很大。 (Gōngzuò yālì hěn dà.) The work pressure is very big.
工作压力很大 (gōngzuò yālì hěn dà): Topic-comment: 工作压力 (gōngzuò yālì, work pressure) is topic. 很大 (hěn dà, very big) describes degree. 轻松 (qīngsōng) grammar notes relaxed / easy 考试结束了，我很轻松。 (Kǎoshì jiéshù le, wǒ hěn qīngsōng.) The exam is over, I feel very relaxed.
考试结束了，我很轻松 (kǎoshì jiéshù le, wǒ hěn qīngsōng): Two clauses: cause + feeling. 结束了 (jiéshù le, ended) with 了 (le). 轻松 (qīngsōng, relaxed). 焦虑 (jiāolǜ) grammar notes anxious / anxiety 考试前她感到很焦虑。 (Kǎoshì qián tā gǎndào hěn jiāolǜ.) She feels very anxious before exams.
考试前她感到很焦虑 (kǎoshì qián tā gǎndào hěn jiāolǜ): 前 (qián, before) after noun. 感到 (gǎndào, feel) + 很 (hěn) + adj. 考试前 (kǎoshì qián, before exam). 勤奋 (qínfèn) grammar notes diligent / hardworking 他是一个勤奋的学生。 (Tā shì yí ge qínfèn de xuéshēng.) He is a diligent student.
他是一个勤奋的学生 (tā shì yí ge qínfèn de xuéshēng): 是 (shì) + 一个 (yí ge) + adj + 的 (de) + noun. 勤奋的 (qínfèn de, diligent) modifies 学生 (xuéshēng, student). 粗心 (cūxīn) grammar notes careless 做作业不能太粗心。 (Zuò zuòyè bù néng tài cūxīn.) You shouldn't be too careless with homework.
做作业不能太粗心 (zuò zuòyè bù néng tài cūxīn): 不能 (bù néng, cannot) + 太 (tài, too) + adj. 做作业 (zuò zuòyè, do homework) as topic. 细心 (xìxīn) grammar notes careful / attentive 她做事很细心。 (Tā zuòshì hěn xìxīn.) She does things very carefully.
她做事很细心 (tā zuòshì hěn xìxīn): 做事 (zuòshì, do things) as topic. 很细心 (hěn xìxīn, very careful) as comment. Topic-comment structure. 谦虚 (qiānxū) grammar notes modest / humble 他虽然很优秀，但是很谦虚。 (Tā suīrán hěn yōuxiù, dànshì hěn qiānxū.) Although he is excellent, he is very modest.
他虽然很优秀，但是很谦虚 (tā suīrán hěn yōuxiù, dànshì hěn qiānxū): 虽然...但是 (suīrán...dànshì, although...but) paired pattern. 优秀 (yōuxiù, excellent). 自私 (zìsī) grammar notes selfish 不要太自私了。 (Bùyào tài zìsī le.) 不要太自私了 (bùyào tài zìsī le): 不要 (bùyào, don't) + 太...了 (tài...le, too much). Combined imperative + excessive pattern.